It is not always easy to deal with an insurance company. When you file an insurance claim, the insurer will do everything it can to deny the claim or minimize the compensation.
Because insurance policies are often wordy and difficult to understand, many people give up on an insurance dispute and simply settle for whatever the insurer says.
An Ontario insurance lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries or damage and losses suffered.
He will gather all the evidence regarding your case to fight for your rights so you can move on with your life.
There are several accident benefit forms to accomplish which can be confusing to someone who has been seriously hurt in an accident.
Find the best insurance lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Just fill out the short online form on this page, free of charge.
The Insurance Claims Process in Ontario
Have you been in an accident and need to file a claim? We want to help you understand the claims process so you can work for the best possible outcome.
Understanding your policy
You must familiarize yourself with your Ontario Automobile Insurance Policy to understand your coverage, the inclusions, exclusions, and limits.
If you don’t have a copy, contact your insurance broker or agent to get one.
When to file an accident report
After an accident, you must file an accident report through your agent, broker, or insurance company within 7 days or as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in a denial of your claim.
Provide the following details in your report:
- The number of your insurance policy
- The make, model, year, registration, and licence plate number of your car
- A description of the incident with the driver’s name and licence number if different from the registered owner
- When (time and date) and where the accident occurred
- A description of your injuries
- The passengers involved, if any
- A description of the damage to the vehicle
- The names and driver’s licence numbers of other drivers involved
- Names of insurance companies and auto insurance policies of the other drivers
- The name and badge number of the police officer – if the accident was reported to the police.
After your claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will get in touch with you . He will ask for a Proof of Loss form and determine how much of your claim is covered by your insurance policy. He will also answer your questions throughout the process.
How the insurance company determines fault
The insurance company determines who is at fault based on the Insurance Act and the Rules on Fault Determination in Ontario.
- Diagrams are used for over 40 accident situations covering almost every potential road collision scenario
These rules apply regardless of the road or weather conditions, point of impact, visibility, or pedestrians.
In some instances, fault may be found in multiple parties involved in the incident.
What happens if you are the driver at fault?
The investigation can find you partially or completely at fault for the accident. If you are at fault, it will appear on your insurance record. If you are 50% to 100% at fault, your insurance premiums could increase when you renew your coverage.
If you let someone borrow your car and the driver is deemed 50% to 100% at fault, their accident will also appear on your insurance record.
If you want to dispute the insurer’s assessment of fault or you think the insurer erred in settling your claim, you can ask which Fault Determination Rule was applied. If the insurer refuses to change their decision, you can make a complaint.
Charges, Conviction, and Determination of Fault
If you are charged with an offence due to the accident, it does not always follow that you will be found at fault by the insurer.
It also means that if you are not charged by the police, you could still be found at fault by your insurance company.
Vehicle damage after an accident
The compensation you receive depends on whether you are at fault based on the insurance company’s assessment and your type of coverage.
In Ontario, mandatory coverage provides Direct Compensation – Property Damage. You can get reimbursed for the rental of a temporary vehicle and damaged personal property inside the vehicle.
If you are 50% or more at fault, the insurer will pay 50% of your costs minus the deductible.
If the other driver is uninsured, you can file a claim under the Uninsured Motorist Coverage of your policy (maximum of $25,000 less the first $300). You must know the identity of the other driver or vehicle to file this type of claim.
Understanding the Accident Benefit Law
The law covering accident benefit insurance constantly changes. You need someone who is an expert on the law with strong negotiation skills to get the highest possible compensation.
If you think the insurer has acted in bad faith, you must have compelling evidence to fight for what you deserve. An insurance lawyer with a track record in going after insurance companies who acted in bad faith is your best ally.
Although your insurance policy was sold on the premise that the insurer would pay for an unexpected loss, your insurance claim can be denied for one reason or another.
Why work with a car insurance lawyer?
Many people file insurance claims to recover compensation. In many instances, the process goes smoothly but there are times when the insurer will hold out on the claim or deny it outright.
This may be unfair and could result in significant losses for you! A denied insurance lawyer will review the evidence in your case and come up with the best strategy to recover compensation from the insurer.
Disputing an insurance claim can be very challenging and having legal counsel to work on your behalf will increase your chances of success.
If the insurer was unfair in the methods used to process your claim, you may have grounds to file a bad faith claim. This type of case arises when no reasonable investigation is conducted or when the insurer acts unfairly.
Bad faith claims and Disputes
If your lawyer can prove that the insurer violated its obligations under the policy, you may be qualified to get compensation for damages of bad faith.
The right lawyer can explain to you what to expect regarding your legal claim. Insurance lawyers also know how to deal with delaying tactics and insurers who stonewall clients to avoid paying a claim.
Find the best lawyer today to handle your insurance claim swiftly so you can move on with your life.
The best time to hire an insurance lawyer to file a claim
It is bad enough to go through a traumatic event such as a car accident and suffer serious injuries. Damage to a home due to fire and other unexpected events that lead to a loss can overwhelm anyone.
If an insurance company makes it very hard to get compensation , it may be a good time to get an insurance lawyer on your side!
You purchased an insurance policy to protect your interests but an insurer will also do its best to minimize the company’s losses. Not only can an insurer deny a claim outright on the grounds the loss is not covered by your policy but they could also say it was due to pre-existing damage.
If it was a car accident, your insurer may want the other insurer to pay for your claim . It is also not uncommon for an insurer to offer a small amount fast so the insured will not ask for more.
You need compensation fast to pay for medical bills, repairs, and other expenses. Don’t lose more time and act quickly by hiring the right insurance lawyer to handle your claim today.
Just fill out the short online form on this page to compare offers from reliable insurance lawyers in your area.
Personal Injury Lawyer for Insurance Claim
Liability is not always easy to prove. If your claim is denied, it will be tough dealing with your insurer when you are still recovering from an accident.
For a personal injury case, an insurance dispute lawyer with a solid track record in fighting for an insurance claim will eliminate a lot of stress in your situation. He will fight hard to defend your rights and claim the compensation you are entitled to!
Facts are essential to build a strong case. Each case is unique and the law is not cut and dried. Ask yourself: Do I have the time and resources to handle this process on my own?
Personal injury lawyers handle cases involving injuries from falls, slips, and car accidents in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph, Ottawa, Mississauga, and all other areas in Ontario.
Whether your fall or slip occurred on a public or private property, hire a personal injury lawyer from the JuriGo network. Get answers to your questions and expert legal advice on how to deal with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
It takes less than 2 minutes to fill out the short online form on this page with no obligation on your part.
The Types of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Not all falls and slips happen outside or in winter. There are multiple ways an accident like this can occur, including:
Poor lighting
Damaged carpeting
Missing railings
Wet floors with no warning signs
Icy sidewalks or stairs
You need to be familiar with the Occupier’s Liability Amendment Act, the Occupier’s Liability Act, as well as Ontario’s Building Code to get started.
Insurance companies are never happy to pay on a claim and they can use anything you say to deny a slip and fall claim. They could also offer you a one-time payment for your injuries when you could receive a larger amount on an ongoing basis.
With a personal injury lawyer, you will have an expert in your corner to build a strong case to get the maximum compensation.
How to win a slip-and-fall lawsuit
Navigating the intricate web of slip-and-fall lawsuits can be very challenging, particularly if you are dealing with an insurance company.
A lawyer with vast experience in slip-and-fall lawsuits can lighten this weight and increase your chances of a positive outcome. He knows the law and will find compelling evidence to negotiate with your insurer.
The insurance company will try its best to minimize your claim or even deny it. They could say you had not been careful or that the hazards were plain and obvious. Diligent gathering of evidence and persuasive arguments within the law will help to overcome these challenges.
If the accident resulted in long-term disability or catastrophic injuries, there is even more reason to get the support of a skilled personal injury lawyer.
The chances of winning personal injury cases depend on the evidence presented, proof of negligence or liability, and case law in Ontario. These 3 factors can be prepared by a reliable personal injury lawyer on your case to get maximum compensation on your behalf!
Win a slip-and-fall case in Ontario with the best personal injury lawyers in the JuriGo network! Connect with them using the short online form on this page with no cost or obligation on your part.
How much do insurance lawyers charge to file a claim?
Personal injury and disability lawyers usually accept cases on a “contingency basis”. The law firm will accept a percentage of the amount recovered in a lawsuit or settlement as payment for legal fees. If the recovery is unsuccessful, the lawyer does not get paid.
Contingency fees vary from one lawyer to another and depends on the type of personal injury. To give you an idea, refer to the table below representing the average rates of personal injury lawyers in Ontario.
| Type of Injury | Average Contingency Rate Charged by Lawyers |
|---|---|
| Brain Injury (As a result of a car accident, general negligence, slip or fall accident | 25% to 30% |
| Long-term care/ Long-term disability | 30% to 33% |
| Medical Malpractice or Legal Malpractice | 30% to 35% |
*These rates are for illustration only and are not actual or specific quotes from JuriGo partners. To get actual rates, please fill out our short online form.
What services are covered by a contingency fee agreement?
A lawyer or law firm must clearly define the fee arrangement in a contingency fee agreement . It must also specify if the client will pay upfront for miscellaneous fees such as documents, expert witnesses, court fees, transportation, etc. while the case is on-going.
Compare insurance lawyers using our short online form at no cost!
Insurance lawyers can tremendously help with insurance lawsuits and disputes to maximize the benefits you can receive.
Accident victims can focus on healing and recovery by leaving the arduous task of filing a claim with insurance companies in the capable hands of insurance lawyers.
If you are a car accident victim or suffered a personal injury due to someone’s negligence, fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
Compare insurance lawyers in your area using our short online form at no cost or obligation.